Scene from Kiichi Hogen Sanryaku no Maki, 1896 - Terrific illustration from the kabuki play "Kiichi Hogen Sanryaku no Maki," a drama about the retired warrior Yoshioka Kiichi and the disposition of his books of military strategy. Kiichi fought for the Heike, but his family had alliances to the Genji, so members of both clans are interested in obtaining his secrets. The young Ushiwakamaru (later Minamoto no Yoshitsune) of the Genji clan, has joined his household in disguise as the servant Torazo to obtain the books. The elderly samurai frowns angrily, a feather fan in one hand, and a red mask of a long-nosed demon in his outstretched hand. Torazo looks up at him with an eager smile, holding a scroll. At right, Torazo's fellow yakko or footman Chienai, in reality Yoshioka Kisanta, looks up at the mask with a wary expression as he pushes up the sleeve of his boldly patterned red kimono. The scene takes place among tall pine trees, with a full moon glowing in the distance above the mountains. From left, the actors are Ichikawa Yonezo as Torazo (actually Ushiwakamaru), Ichikawa Danjuro as Kiichi Hogen, and Ichikawa Sadanji as Yakko Chienai. A fantastic design with large colorful figures in an atmospheric setting. Beautifully detailed with extensive embossing in Kiichi's white kimono, his beard and hair, and the white hair and eyebrows of the demon mask.

Artist - Kunichika (1835 - 1900)

Image Size - 14" x 27 5/8"

Condition - This print with excellent detail as shown. Three separate panels, backed with heavy paper. Small loss. Wrinkling, slight curling, offsetting from storage next to metallic pigment. Please see photos for details.